Solar energy collector apparatus

ABSTRACT

A solar energy collector includes a generally tubular housing or multiple tubular housings each having an open end for receipt of solar rays which are then reflected from a generally conical mirror within the housing onto solar cells lining the inside surface of the housing. Various mechanisms are utilized to favorably orient the housing or otherwise direct the solar rays and to maximize the incidence of reflected solar rays onto solar cells.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a principal aspect the present invention relates to a solar energycollector and a solar power system which utilizes an array of solarcells to generate electric energy from a light source.

The use of solar panels to generate electricity is the subject of muchresearch, development and public investment seeking to create efficient,cost effective “green energy”. Multiple systems have been proposed orbuilt which utilize arrays of flat, solar cell panels oriented withrespect to the sun including systems such as exemplified by variouspatents and patent applications:

U.S. Pat. No./ Issue Date/ Application No. Title Publication Date3,058,394 Reflector for Solar Heaters Oct. 16, 1962 3,125,091 InflatableSolar Energy Collector Mar. 17, 1964 3,203,306 Optical Ray ConcentratorAug. 31, 1965 3,985,118 Solar Furnace Oct. 12, 1976 4,011,857 SolarEnergy Converter and Elongated Fresnel Mar. 15, 1977 Lens Element4,022,186 Compound Lens Solar Energy System May 10, 1977 4,069,812 SolarConcentrator and Energy Collection Jan. 24, 1978 System 4,089,323 SolarTracking Device May 16, 1978 4,111,184 Sun Tracking Solar EnergyCollector Sep. 5, 1978 4,116,223 Solar Energy Unit Sep. 26, 19784,194,949 Solar Distillation Apparatus Mar. 25, 1980 4,204,881 SolarPower System May 27, 1980 4,211,211 Solar Energy Collector and TransferJul. 8, 1980 Apparatus 4,230,094 Solar Concentrator Oct. 28, 19804,238,246 Solar Energy System with Composite Dec. 9, 1980 ConcentratingLenses 4,270,981 Solar Distillation Apparatus Jun. 2, 1981 4,289,118Solar Energy System with Pivoting Lens and Sep. 15, 1981 Collector andConduit System Therefor 4,297,000 Solar Lighting System Oct. 27, 19814,299,201 Solar Energy Focusing Means Nov. 10, 1981 4,323,052 SolarEnergy System Apr. 6, 1982 4,337,759 Radiant Energy Concentration byOptical Jul. 6, 1982 Total Internal Reflection 4,344,417 Solar EnergyCollector Aug. 17, 1982 4,347,834 Variable Entropy Solar EnergyHarvester Sep. 7, 1982 4,352,350 Means for Tracking The Sun Oct. 5, 19824,385,430 Method of Forming an Energy Concentrator May 31, 19834,456,783 Multielement Optical Panel Jun. 26, 1984 4,545,366 Bi-FocussedSolar Energy Concentrator Oct. 8, 1985 4,848,319 Refracting Solar EnergyConcentrator and Jul. 18, 1989 Thin Flexible Fresnel Lens 5,578,139Stowable and Deployable Solar Energy Nov. 26, 1996 Concentrator withFresnel Lenses 7,875,793 Solar Cell Assembly Jan. 25, 2011 2008/0053524A1 Solar Cell Panel Integrated with a Conforming Mar. 6, 2008 Array ofMiniature Lenses 2010/0051016 A1 Modular Fresnel Solar Energy CollectionMar. 4, 2010 System 2010/0116317 A1 Inter-Facing Solar Panels May 13,2010

Prior art proposals involve a variety of solar cell materials, variousconstructions of solar panels, different arrays of the solar cellpanels, various types of lenses and designs to concentrate a solar lightsource, including the use of Fresnel lenses, light guide assemblies andthe like. Despite the abundance of prior art and the various mechanismsand approaches suggested to enhance the ability to convert solar energyinto heat or electrical energy in an efficient and cost effective mannerand in a manner which can be scaled upward and implemented for thegeneration of significant amounts of power or which can be adapted tolesser power needs, there remains a need for an inexpensive, yetefficient solar cell assembly for energy generation including generationof electric energy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly the present invention comprises a solar energy collectorassembly which includes a generally tubular member having a generallycenterline axis, an open top end to receive light, a peripheral innerwall and a bottom support panel or bracket. The peripheral inner wallincludes an array of discrete solar cells mounted on the inside wallface having a light receiving surface facing the interior of the tubularmember. The bottom support bracket engages and positions a generallyconical member within the tubular member. The conical member ispositioned with a broad support base or lower end within the tubularmember and a narrower apex upper end disposed near the top end of thetubular member. The conical member includes at least a partiallyreflective outer surface. The outer surface may also include orincorporate a reflective solar cell assembly. Solar radiation directedinto the tubular member is reflected onto the solar cells lining theinner wall of the tubular member by reflection from the surface at theconical member. The tubular member is mounted on an adjustable mountingassembly which enables the tubular member to be appropriately orientedwith respect to a solar light source. A current collection circuit isconnected to discrete solar cells located on the inside wall of thetubular member.

An array of tubular collector assemblies may be mounted on a supportframe and may each be discretely orientable or aligned in accord with aprogrammed alignment protocol. Alternatively or in addition, the arraymay be oriented in unison by adjustment of the support frame in at leasttwo degrees and preferably three degrees of orientation.

Described embodiments provide that the tubular member as well as theinternal conical member are generally symmetric about a commoncenterline axis. The solar cells on the inside wall face of the tubularmember and/or on the conical member are coupled with current measurementapparatus which measure the source and quantity of current associatedwith one or more of the cells comprising the array of solar cells tofacilitate alignment of the various collector support assemblies in anefficient manner by moving the solar energy collector assembly inresponse to sensing of the measured current from the various solarcells.

Because the solar energy collector assembly comprises an elongate tubewith a generally centerline axis, the surface area within the tubeexaggerates or effectively enhances the area susceptible to impingementby light rays relative to the area of a plane transverse to the tubeaxis thus making the tubes highly efficient collectors relative to flatpanels. This feature coupled with the feature associated with theorientation of the collector tube or tubes, which is programmed inresponse to measurement of current generation by the solar cells,further enhances the ability to efficiently generate solar sourcedenergy. Because the energy collector tubular assemblies each comprise aunit for solar energy collection, and are generally modular, the number,size and their arrangement either as an individual unit or in variousarrays may be easily adjusted to enhance the collection of solar energy.Moreover, because the units are generally modular, any failure of asingle unit enables easy replacement thereof on a framework of multipleunits thus enhancing the serviceability of such an array.

Various additional features may be incorporated with the tubular units.That is, the configuration of the tube as well as the conical or othershaped reflective insert may be adjusted to account for geographical andother factors. The top of the unit may be covered with a clear ortranslucent panel to concentrate the solar light source and to protectthe interior of the tube member from dust, debris and the like. Thepanel or top cover may include or comprise one or more lens toconcentrate solar light. Because each of the units may be susceptible toindividual orientation, the efficiency of an array of such units may beenhanced by orientation controls.

An array of such assemblies may be positioned on a building such as aparking structure. The electricity generated by such an array may belinked to electric vehicle charge stations, for example, located in theparking structure. Such an assembly may be fabricated in multiple sizes.For example, such an assembly may comprise a large silo or multiplesilos.

In sum, the tubular solar power design places the solar cells inside agenerally cylindrical tower positioned generally flat against the insidewalls of the tower. The top is typically covered with a clear cover tokeep the cells from collecting dust and debris. The inside on the toweror cylinder incorporates a mirrored cone or reflector coaxiallypositioned in the tower or tube that redirects the light onto the solarcells that line the inside walls of the tubular member. The tubularmember or cylinders or towers may be mounted on gimbals on a main frameto allow them to pivot towards and follow the sun. The main mountingframe may also move to point the open end of the cylinders toward thesun when the sun is lower in the sky. This allows the cylinders to bemounted closely together. This system may incorporate tracking systemsto follow sun movement throughout the day and year.

Thus it is an object, feature and aspect of the invention to provide animproved means for collecting solar energy.

A further object, aspect and feature of the invention is to provide asolar energy collector which may be comprised of multiple modular unitsof tube member collectors with a shaped interior reflective member thatdiverts solar energy to multiple solar cells mounted on the interiorwall of the tube.

Another object, aspect and feature of the invention is to provide asolar cell assembly which can be oriented in a highly efficient manner.

Yet a further object, aspect and feature of the invention is to providea solar energy collector design capable of utilizing various units ofvarious sizes on a frame to collectively generate solar sourced energyin a highly efficient and cost effective manner.

These and other objects, advantages, aspects and features of theinvention are set forth in the detailed description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

In the detailed description which follows reference will be made to thefollowing Figures:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an array of an embodiment of solar energycollector assemblies on a support framework depicting the means fororienting the array;

FIG. 2 is a further isometric view of the array of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3-6 are further views of the array of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a frame which supports the array solarenergy collectors depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the frame of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of an individual solar energy collectorassembly of the type that is incorporated in the array of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 9 taken alongthe line A-A;

FIG. 11 is an exploded isometric view of the component parts of thecollector assembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of solar cells incorporated in the collectorassembly of FIG. 9 and as depicted in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the solar cells of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a single collector assembly mounted on aframe;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are further isometric views of the collector assembly ofFIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation of the solar collector depicted in FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of the solar energy collector assembly ofFIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram for a control system of an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of theinvention comprised of first and second interconnected solar towers orsilos;

FIG. 21 is an isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 20 as viewed fromthe opposite side of the depiction of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a side elevation of the embodiment of FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is an end elevation of the embodiment of FIG. 20 viewed from theright hand view of FIG. 20;

FIG. 25 is an end elevation opposite the end elevation of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 22 taken along theline B-B in FIG. 22;

FIG. 27 is an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 20;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a mirror assembly for reflecting solarrays in the embodiment of FIG. 20;

FIG. 29 is a front elevation of the mirror reflector assembly of FIG.28;

FIG. 30 is a side elevation of the mirror reflector assembly of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a side elevation of an array of reflectors which are mountedto form a frusto conical element of the embodiment of FIG. 20;

FIG. 32 is a top plan view of the reflector array of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a detail of the reflecting surface of the reflector panels ofthe array of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a top plan view of an array of Fresnel lens incorporated inthe top cover of the embodiment of FIG. 20;

FIG. 35 is a side elevation of the Fresnel lens array of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a top plan view of an array of solar panels incorporated inthe embodiment of FIG. 20 and FIG. 27;

FIG. 37 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 36; and

FIG. 38 is a detail of a section A of a solar panel in the array of FIG.37.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-8 depict a combination of elements which illustrate aspects ofthe invention including generally tubular configured solar collectorsarranged on a support frame in an array that maximizes the exposure ofmultiple solar cells to incident light. FIGS. 9-18 illustrate in greaterdetail the generally tubular solar collectors. FIG. 19 is a flow diagramillustrating an arrangement of various control elements for control ofmechanical orientation devices which align the solar collectors eitherindividually or collectively in an efficient orientation for collectionof solar or light energy. FIGS. 20-38 depict an embodiment of theinvention incorporated in a large size power station.

Solar Collector Arrays

FIGS. 1-9 depict a rectangular frame base 12 connected by hinges 15 to acongruently sized middle frame assembly 13 which, in turn, is attachedto a congruently sized support frame 14 by connecting hinges 15. Theframes 12 and 13 may be pivoted about their hinges 15 by linearactuators 1. Similar linear actuators 1 pivot the outer frame or towersupport frame 14 about their hinges 15 relative to the middle frame orframe member 13. In the embodiment depicted the frames or frame members12, 13 and 14 are generally rectangular and include cross members andother reinforcing elements 2, 3, 4 to support a plurality of solarcollectors in the form of generally tubular members 18.

The solar collectors or tubular members 18 as described hereinafter arearrayed and supported upon the tower frame or outer frame member 14 inany one of multiple arrays or arrangements. In the embodiment depicted,the solar collectors 18 are arranged or arrayed in parallel rows. Eachsolar collector 18 comprises a multiplicity of solar cells as describedhereinafter which, in combination, generate electric current. The solarcollectors or tubular members 18 in the embodiment shown are mounted ona separate base frame 23 each supported on the tower or support frame14. This is also depicted for example in FIGS. 17 and 18.

As depicted in FIG. 17, a solar collector 18 mounted on the base frame23 is movable in at least two degrees of freedom inasmuch as it isattached to the frame 23 by a gimbal support arm 6 with a universaljoint 20 affixed to the solar collector 18 and, more particularly, tothe bottom panel 25 of the solar collector 18 namely, the plate 25.Linear actuators 24 are connected to the support arm 6 by means of aball joint 16. Actuators 24 include an extendable rod connected throughball joint 16 to the plate 25 thus providing a means to orient thecollector 18 in response to the control signals provided to theactuators 24. As a result of the described construction, the solarcollectors 18 may also be oriented by means of adjusting the orientationof the middle frame 13 and outer or tower frame 14 as well as adjustingthe individual solar collectors by means of the actuators 24. A benefitof the construction of the invention is that an individual collectorsupport base frame 23 for a single solar collector 18 may be easilyremoved from engagement with and support on the outer or tower frame 14in the event of failure of the operational function of the particularsolar collector 18. Further, all of the support members or frameelements 13, 14, 15 may be oriented to maximize the incidence of solarrays into the collector units 18.

FIGS. 10-13 illustrate in greater detail the construction of the solarcollectors 18. The solar collector 18 includes a tubular member 22which, in the embodiment depicted, is generally frusto-conical thoughthis is not considered to be a limitation of the invention. Theutilization of a generally tubular member 22 is an aspect of theinvention, however. The tubular member 22 typically includes atransparent cover 10 which provides protection from debris and weather.The tubular member 22 is a hollow tubular member and includes agenerally centerline axis 40. A bottom panel or base 25 of the tubularmember 22 exhibits a lesser dimension than the outer top or open end ofthe tubular member 22.

Positioned within the tubular member 22 is a generally conicallyconfigured reflector 9. In other words, the reflector 9 includes areflective outer surface designed to reflect solar or light rays at anangle of reflection substantially equal to the angle of incidence. FIG.10 illustrates a further method of orienting the tubular member 22 andthus the collector 18 in two degrees of orientation. That is, control oractuator arms 5 and 8 are hinged to the interior of the cone 9 andattached thereto by a fastener assembly 19. Crank 11 is pivotallyconnected to the arms 5 and 8 and may be actuated to orient the tubularmember 22.

The inner surface of the tubular member 22 includes a plurality or arrayof solar cells 21 mounted thereon that are arrayed, by way of example,in the manner depicted in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13. The solar cell 21 cellarray is thus fastened to or mounted on the interior surface of thetubular member 22 in a manner which will align individual cells 21 toappropriately intersect light reflected from the surface of the conicalreflector 9. Solar cells 21 may be arrayed within the interior of thetubular member 22 in rows which encircle the conical member reflector 9.Light which shines through the cover 10 is thus reflected and directedto appropriate cells 21. As an alternative additional feature of theinvention the conical member 9 itself may comprise a solar cell or cells7 with an outer reflective surface so that the light impinging thereonwill also reflect, but will simultaneously generate current therebyenhancinig the energy resulting from the use of the device by generatingcurrent through solar cells 7 affixed to or incorporated with theconical member 9 as well as that which is reflected to the individualsolar cells 21 in an array mounted in tubular member 22.

The array of the solar cells 21 may be adjusted in combination andindividually to maximize the generation of an electrical current bymeans of such cells 21. The cells 21 may have a flat surface.Alternatively, they may have a concave surface. For example, if theconical member 9 includes an array of cells 7 that also act asreflectors that array of cells 7 may be convexly or parabolicallyconfigured or otherwise curved to focus solar light energy on cells 21mounted on the interior surface of the tubular member 22. As aconsequence, multiple arrays of distinct solar cell designs may beincorporated on conical member 9 as well as within tubular member 22.The solar cells 7 may also be arranged in a manner which will enhancetheir efficiency. Thus, rather than using large panel collectors,multiple smaller solar cells 7, 21 may be incorporated in a design ofthe type described and as a result should any of the solar cells 7, 21fail for one reason or the other, the remaining cells 7, 21 willcontinue to function. Further, individual cells 7, 21 may easily bereplaced within the tubular member 22 or conical member 9 to effectrepair or replacement or upgrading thereof. Thus, the design of thedevice provides enhanced benefits in manufacture and maintenance of asolar energy collector which in addition may occupy space moreefficiently.

The conical member 9 may have a variety of designs. The divergent angleof the conical member and thus the angle of light incidence of themember 9 may be varied. This may enable variability of the configurationof the solar collector tubular member 22. The cone 9 may be frustoconical with an angle of divergence at the apex generally in the rangeof 45° to 105^(°). The orientation of the axis 40 of the tubular member22 may be accommodated by the design of the cone 9 as well as theorientation of the various solar cells 7, 21 within tubular member 22 asillustrated, for example, in FIGS. 21 and 22. The angle of divergencemay vary relative to the location on the circumference of the conicalmember 22. Accordingly, the interior or configuration of the tubularmember 22 may be varied.

Another feature of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 19. Thus, one ormore cells 21, 7 may be interconnected in series or parallel to providecurrent to a power collector assembly 42. The connection with the powercollector assembly 42 may include a current sensor 41 for someindividual or multiple set of cells 7, 21. The current sensor 41 signalsmay be directed to a program controller 44 which is programmed tocontrol the orientation of one or more solar collectors 18 as well asindividual cells 7, 21, arrays of cells, and/or other variable aspectsof the assembly. The controller 44 may be thus programmed to match thesensed current magnitude of various sensors 41 and thereby maximizeorientation of the assembly of collectors 18 automatically using afeedback circuit. For example, the actuators 1, 11, 24 associated withthe solar collectors 18 can be individually maximized by the orientationprogram controller 44 which operates the actuators 1, 11, 24. Currentoutput can be maximized using the sensors 41 associated with one or moreof the collector cells 7, 21 within the tubular member 18 therebyenabling the tubular members 18 collectively or individually to beoriented about an axis 40 in the most efficient manner. For example,sample cells 7, 21 could be chosen at spaced intervals vertically alongthe axis 40 as well as radially around the axis 40 to control theorientation of the solar collector 18 in a most efficient manner. In anyevent, the output of one or more cells 7 and/or 21 can provideinformation utilized to control the orientation of one or more tubularor members 18 as well as solar cells 21 within a tubular member 22 orcells 7 mounted on a conical member.

Solar Power Plant Embodiment

FIGS. 20-38 illustrate an embodiment of the invention comprising anelectric power generation plant. FIGS. 20-27 illustrate the overalldesign of a power plant embodiment. FIGS. 28-38 illustrate variousaspects of the elements comprising a power plant embodiment.

Referring to the FIGS. 20-38, a power plant embodiment is comprised of afirst generally cylindrical silo 111 coupled to a second generallycylindrical silo 112. In practice, each silo 111 and 112 may becomprised of multiple components which may be prefabricated as sectionsof the silo 111 or 112 or alternatively cast in place or assembled inplace at a site. An example of a silo construction in terms of size andgeneral construction is a grain silo. The size in terms of the diameterof such a silo is considered to be a convenient and useful size for thepurpose of generating electricity using solar energy. Typically suchsilos are designed with electrical service connections, have excellentstructural integrity and require minimal alteration for conversion froma grain storage unit into a solar energy electric generator station.

In a typical embodiment, a pair of silos 111 and 112 is arranged intandem as depicted in the Figures. The first silo 111, as depicted inFIG. 31, includes an internal layer of insulation 110. Also mountedwithin the silo 111 is a conical reflector or cone array 124. Thereflector array 124 is comprised of a series of generally triangularreflector panels 152 that are joined to form cone array 124concentrically arrayed about a vertical centerline axis 131 with theapex of the cone projecting upwardly and outwardly from the silo 111.The cone 124 has a vertical height substantially equal to the verticalheight of at least a portion of the silo 111. The cone 124 is mounted onan internal track (not shown) and may be rotated about its vertical axis131.

Positioned against the inner layer of insulation 110 lining the silo 111is a tubular heat exchanger 134. The tubular heat exchanger 134 isdesigned for the passage of water therethrough in response to acirculating pump 135. Concentrically positioned over the tubular heatexchanger 134 is a solar panel array 135A. The solar panel array 135Aincludes a series of solar cells positioned on separate vertical panels136 arrayed concentrically around medial axis 131 of the assemblyassociated with the first silo 111.

Along the top periphery of the silo 111 is a circular track 137. Thetrack 137 is designed to support a partial or semi-cylindrical mirrorarray 138 to enable the mirror array 138 to move about the axis 131.Positioned over the top of the silo 111 is a protective dome 140. Thedome 140 is transparent thereby permitting solar rays to shine throughdome 140 and be directed or reflected by means of the reflective mirrorarray or mirrors 138 onto the panels 152 of the cone array 124. Thesolar rays then incident, focus and reflect upon the interior panels 136which comprise solar cell arrays 136A. Electricity is thereby generatedby solar cells comprising the solar cell arrays 136A and is collected toprovide electric power to operate the assembly with excess electricalpower collected for distribution.

Second silo 112 is likewise comprised of a cylindrical array of siloforming materials which may be prefabricated or cast in place orotherwise formed. Positioned within the silo 112 is a layer ofinsulation 150. Positioned within the cylindrical layer of insulation150 and mounted on an appropriately engineered track is a conicalreflector 151 substantially of the same construction as the reflectorarray 124 associated with silo 111. Further, a tubular heat exchanger152 is positioned in the silo 112 within this circumference of theinsulation 150. Positioned over the silo 112 and over the describedcomponents is a dome 153 which is in the form of a Fresnel lens or lensarray 154. It is to be noted that the heated water in the heat exchanger134 of silo 111 is connected by an appropriate conduit 160 to heatexchanger 152. To the extent necessary, pump elements such as pumps 135and 156 may be utilized to pump fluids such as water and/or steamthrough the heat exchangers 134, 152 as the water may be converted tosteam. Other materials may be circulated through the system for heatexchange.

FIGS. 29, 30 and 31 illustrate in greater detail the structure ofcomponent parts of the mirror array 138. These components comprise aplurality of mirrors 166 mounted on a support bracket 168. The mirrors166 are mounted so they can be tilted or pivoted about an axis 169 whichconnects a mirror support yoke 170 to an actuating bar 171. The baroperates in response to an actuator 172. In this manner, the mirrors 166may be oriented properly to direct and reflect the solar arrays thatimpinge or shine thereon downwardly to the conical reflector 124. Thesupport bracket 168 is affixed to track 139 by means of the clamp array175. In this manner, the array of mirrors 138 may be moved along thetrack 139 to properly orient the mirrors 138 in the direction of solarrays. The solar rays may then be reflected by the mirrors 138 to shineagainst the reflective conical member or array 124 and against the solarcells or the solar cell panels 136. The water or fluid within the heatexchanger 134 will cool the solar cells comprising panel 136 and thatheated water may then be pumped to the heat exchanger 152 associatedwith the second silo 112.

FIGS. 31, 32 and 33 illustrate in greater detail the construction of theconical reflectors 124 and 151. The reflectors are comprised ofgenerally truncated triangular sectors or panels 126. FIG. 37 providesdetail of the reflector panels 126. That is, the reflector panels 126may be comprised of multiple solar cells in an array or alternativelymultiple segmented reflective surfaces.

A further feature of the construction is associated with the secondarysilo 112. FIGS. 38 and 39 depict the arrangement. That is, a Fresnellens array 154 is comprised of a series of Fresnel lens which arefocused on the various conical reflectors or conical reflection arraysor surfaces 126. The reflective solar rays are then directed to the heatexchanger 152 thereby heating the fluid such as water. In certaininstances the heat is adequate to convert the water to steam. The steamis then directed through a turbo generator 190. This provides yetanother source of electricity generated by the assembly.

FIGS. 34-38 depict further details with respect to the structure of thesolar cell panels 136. The solar cell panels 136 of the solar cell array135 are positioned in an array which is designed to receive reflectedsolar rays and generate electricity. The panels 136 thus comprise aseries of solar cells 117 in an appropriate geometric pattern on thesurface of a panel 136. Those solar cells 117 are connected to agenerator to operate the powered components of the system with theexcess electricity directed to an appropriate grid.

In operation, electricity is generated by means of the first silo orpower assembly 111 utilizing the concept of the tubular solar energycollectors wherein reflected light is directed to solar cells lining theinterior of the generally cylindrical tower but also wherein heatgenerated from the solar cells is collected to heat water pumped throughheat exchangers surrounding the array of solar cell panels 126. Anaccompanying tower or silo 112 utilizes multiple Fresnel lens to focusand direct solar energy or light against the surface of conicalreflector 151 that, in turn, directs the solar rays to a heat exchanger152 to thereby superheat or convert the water pumped from the first siloor tower assembly 111 into steam or superheated liquid or water. Thatsuperheated liquid or water can then be used to operate a generator 190.

A projected calculation indicates an array of the type describedincorporated in silos 111 and 112 having a solar cell surface area of11,864 square feet and a heat exchange surface area of 11,895 squarefeet will require 9,640 watts of power to operate pumps, orientationmotors and controls and will provide a gross power output of 97,140watts. Assuming the silos 111 and 112 have diameters of about 30 feetand a height of about 25 feet, the gross land or surface area occupiedby towers of such dimensions will be about 7,100 square feet which isabout one third of the land or surface space required by a flat panelarray. Of course, variables such as efficiency of panels vis-a-viscells, control efficiencies and dimensional factors will impact upon anysuch comparison. However, preliminary investigation strongly indicates amuch more efficient use of land space for the described inventionrelative to flat panel arrays.

Multiple variations of the aspects and features of the invention arepossible and are considered to be within the scope of the invention. Forexample, the size, shape, arrangement and number of solar cells may bevaried. The number and configuration of the tubular members may bevaried. The array, size and dimensions of the tubular members may bevaried. The utilization of different types of solar cells within thetubular member which are attached or affixed to the reflecting conicalsurface and the inside surface or wall of the tubular member may bevaried. The tubular member solar energy collectors may be combined withother energy source collection devices such as wind generators mountedon the silos or tubes, and heat collection devices such as thosedescribed. As a consequence, the invention is to be limited only by thefollowing claims and equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A solar energy collector assembly comprising: atubular member having a generally centerline axis, an open top, an innerperipheral wall, and a bottom support, said wall including an array ofdiscrete solar cells mounted within the tubular member, said cellsincluding a light receiving surface directed to the interior of thetubular member, a generally conical configured member supported on thebottom support, said conical member including a broad support end and anarrower outer end, said conical member having at least a partiallyreflective outer surface; a mounting assembly for orienting said tubularmember; and a current collection array connected to discrete solarcells.
 2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the tube has a generallyfrusto-conical inner surface for mounting said solar cells.
 3. Theassembly of claim 2 wherein said conical member is generallyfrusto-conical.
 4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the conical memberincludes solar cells with a reflective surface oriented to direct lighttoward solar cells mounted on said light receiving surface.
 5. Theassembly wherein the conical member includes a reflective surfaceoriented to direct light toward solar cells mounted on said tube lightreceiving surface.
 6. The assembly of claim 1 including a plurality oftubular members having solar cells and a conical member mounted.
 7. Theassembly of claim 6 mounted on an adjustable platform.
 8. The assemblyof claim 1 mounted on an adjustable platform.
 9. The assembly of claim 1with a transparent cover over at least a part of said top.
 10. Theassembly of claim 1 wherein said tube is frusto-conical with a topopening with said peripheral wall converging toward the bottom.
 11. Theassembly of claim 1 wherein the conical member is multifaceted.
 12. Theassembly of claim 1 wherein the solar cells are arrayed in generallyparallel rows transverse to the axis.
 13. The assembly of claim 1wherein the angle of divergence of the generally conical member is inthe range of 45° to 105°.
 14. The assembly of claim 1 wherein thetubular member and conical member are generally symmetrical about thecenterline axis.
 15. The assembly of claim 1 further including a currentmeasurement device for monitoring current collection from said solarcells.
 16. The assembly of claim 15 further including a currentmeasurement device for monitoring current collection from said solarcells.
 17. The assembly of claim 16 including an adjustable mountingassembly and a control mechanism for displacing the collector assemblyto control current generation by orienting the centerline axis of thetube member.
 18. The assembly of claim 4 including a current collectionarray for collection of current from solar cells mounted on said conicalmember.
 19. The assembly of claim 18 including an adjustable mountingassembly for orienting the centerline axis and a control mechanism fordisplacing the collector assembly in response to current generationmonitoring.